Goffrey Cowell Quillin

KINGSPORT- Goffrey Cowell Quillin, 87, born April 28th, 1932, passed from this life to his eternal home on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Cowell was born in the Alley Valley community of Scott County, Va. the oldest of eight children. His youth was like many from that era, growing up on a farm out in the country. He graduated from Shoemaker High school in 1949, having been a pitcher on the baseball team. Upon graduation, he and four of his friends made a recruiter very happy as they enlisted in the US Navy together. Cowell served during the Korean War, from 1951-1955, aboard the USS Oriskany. He was onboard as the Oriskany was the first aircraft carrier in history to sail around Cape Horn, South America. After leaving the Navy he worked in Baltimore, MD for the Glen L Martin Corp. for a brief time. Cowell later moved back home and was attending ETSU when he met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married in August 1958. He began working at the Kingsport Press in 1960 and retired after 32 years of service.

Much to the chagrin of his sons, he always had a large garden and enjoyed grafting fruit trees and tending to his blueberry plants. Prior to his illness Cowell attended Pleasant View Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Glennie Spears Quillin and Rev. Herman Carson Quillin; three brothers, Howard, Dwight and Michael Quillin; brother-in-law, Lee Carter.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Gilman Quillin; sons, David Quillin and wife Mitzi, Jeff Quillin and wife Donna; six grandchildren, Jake, Caylin, Chayla and Heath Quillin and Kayla and Landon Bailey; two great grandchildren Tucker and Cooper Bailey; one sister Emma Penrod (David); and three brothers, Herman (Gracie), Larry (Linda), and Billy Joe (Gwen) Quillin; sisters-in-law, Jonelle Carter, Nancy Moore (Hobert), Jennifer and Rhonda Quillin; along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Scott County Funeral home. A funeral service will follow with Pastor David Penrod officiating.

A military graveside service will follow at Holston View Cemetery with the honors conducted by American Legion Hammond Post #3/265. Family members will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Cowell’s memory to Meals On Wheels at P.O. Box 3346 Kingsport, TN 37664.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kelli, Rebecca, Angela, and Tiffany for their loving care.